USA - All new 2015 GMC Canyon elevates midsize truck segment

GMC revealed the 2015 Canyon today, an all-new midsize truck that redefines the segment and raises the bar for everything from horsepower and efficiency to quietness and refinement.

When it goes on sale this year, the all-new Canyon will give GMC one of the only three-truck lineups in the industry. It is expected to deliver class-leading capabilities with the brand’s signature refinement – all in an efficiently sized, manoeuvrable package for customers who want the cargo-hauling and trailering versatility of a truck without the size of a full-size pickup.

“The all-new 2015 Canyon completes GMC’s three-truck family, which started with the redesigned 2014 Sierra 1500 and 2015 Sierra HD,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. “It rounds out a lineup that offers the broadest range of capabilities in the industry, giving truck customers more choices to find the vehicle that meets their professional, personal and lifestyle needs.”

Based on a proven global architecture and engineered for the unique demands and driving conditions of North American drivers, the new Canyon is expected to deliver:

• The segment’s best horsepower – an estimated 193 horsepower (146 kW) from a standard 2.5L I-4 and an estimated 302 horsepower (224 kW) from an available 3.6L V-6
• The segment’s best payload of at least 1,450 pounds (657 kg)
• The segment’s best maximum trailering rating (when properly equipped) of at least 6,700 pounds (3,039 kg)
• Even greater capability with a powerful and efficient Duramax 2.8L turbodiesel engine coming in 2016 model year

“Not everyone needs full-size capability, but they still deserve strength and true-truck attributes that come in larger models. The Canyon will offer all the capability with confidence – and GMC’s signature refinement that complements active lifestyles,” said DiSalle. “It also delivers the technology customers want with more standard features.”

Canyon’s customer-focused technologies include available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and expected segment-first available driver alert features such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning and a standard rear-vision camera.

Additionally, RemoteLink Key Fob Services allow owners to lock and unlock their vehicle, flash the lights and honk the horn, and, on equipped models, even remotely start the engine using the RemoteLink smartphone app. The service is free for five years. Additional OnStar services and data plans will be available with a paid subscription.

GMC’s ProGrade protection program for two years/24,000 miles – whichever comes first – of scheduled maintenance, is standard and covers four oil changes, tire rotations and 27-point inspections. It complements the three-year/36,000-mile – whichever comes first – bumper-to-bumper limited vehicle warranty and five-year/100,000-mile – whichever comes first – powertrain limited warranty.

Designed for capability, comfort and refinement

Inside and out, the 2015 Canyon is pure GMC, with a quiet, refined interior distinguished by premium materials and a commanding exterior presence that emulates the technology-infused design aesthetic introduced on the 2014 Sierra 1500 and 2015 Sierra HD models.

Bold front-end styling incorporates the segment’s only standard projector beam headlamps and GMC’s signature C-shaped LED daytime running lamps on all models. Three body configurations are offered: An extended cab model with a six-foot bed, a crew cab with a five-foot bed and a crew cab with a six-foot bed. With the tailgate down, the six-foot bed allows eight-foot-long items to be hauled within the vehicle.

Canyon is offered in base, SLE and SLT models, in 2WD and 4WD models, and with an aggressively styled All-Terrain package offered on SLE models. It includes 17-inch painted aluminum wheels covered by all-terrain tires, a body-color grille surround with horizontal chrome bars and specific suspension tuning.

From a refinement standpoint, the Canyon features triple-sealed doors inlaid in the body sides, like the 2014 Sierra, for improved aerodynamic performance and a quieter interior. And to help keep overall mass down and improve the front-to-rear weight balance, the Canyon features an all-new aluminum hood.

It also features the segment’s only active aero grille shutters, which close at certain highway speeds to enhance efficiency through improved aerodynamics.

Additional exterior features include:

• Segment-first CornerStep rear bumper design, pioneered on the 2014 Sierra, is standard
• Available segment-first EZ Lift-and-Lower locking tailgate that uses an internal torsion bar to make raising the tailgate easier with one hand, and a damper for more-controlled lowering
• Standard two-tier loading that allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections, making it easier to haul, store and conceal items such as tools
• Thirteen reconfigurable and four stationary tie-down locations throughout the bed for use with available, removable cargo tie-down rings
• Standard bed rail and tailgate protectors
• Available factory-installed spray-in bed liner
• Range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels

A diverse collection of work- and lifestyle-supporting accessories will be offered including everything from a bed liner and innovative cargo management system to a custom tonneau cover, removable cargo rings, tool box and more.

Comfortable and connected cabin

The interior of the 2015 Canyon is designed to be comfortable, heavily equipped and well connected. A bold, upright instrument panel with large instruments and a central driver information center is similar to Sierra. A center console-mounted shifter is similar to those found in midsize cars and crossovers.

The Canyon’s cabin boasts exceptional attention to detail and premium appointments, including a sculpted headliner that enhances headroom, halo lighting on key controls for easier viewing and an open area at the front of the center console for easier phone charging.

Additional interior details include:

• Sculpted door panels that make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle
• Upper-instrument panel storage bin – when not equipped with the uplevel audio system – and large glove box volume
• Standard center console with room to store a tablet
• Rear under-seat storage

Canyon’s seats are designed for long-haul comfort and wear, too. They use dual-firmness foam for greater comfort on long drives and high-wear, stain-resistant cloth seating trim. A power-adjustable driver’s seat is standard, and heated leather seats are standard on SLT. The All-Terrain package features exclusive color and trim details, including embossed seatbacks and unique contrast stitching.

Comfort is enhanced with technologies, connectivity and other features that support owners’ daily and recreational lives including a standard 4.2-inch-diagonal color driver information screen in the instrument cluster

Also available:

• Eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen and multiple USB ports
• OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hot spot
• Next-generation OnStar and IntelliLink enhancements with gesture recognition and natural language voice recognition
• Siri Eyes Free Mode for iPhone users
• Teen Driver feature
• GMC AppShop
• Navigation

Teen Driver is a new, configurable IntelliLink feature that allows parents to set a radio volume limit, establish a speed warning set between 40 and 70 mph, and set a speed limiter. It also automatically mutes the radio when the driver or front passenger safety belt is not fastened and a “report card” that records mileage, wide-open throttle events, ABS events, maximum speed and other data. The custom features are locked by a PIN, which is set by the parent.

Canyon models with an eight-inch IntelliLink screen will also feature a new in-car app marketplace: GMC AppShop. It allows customers to download apps directly to their IntelliLink system and organize, update or delete them throughout the life of the vehicle. Available apps will connect drivers to music, news, weather, travel information, vehicle data and more.

Segment-best power and efficiency

GMC expects Canyon to be the most powerful and efficient truck in the segment, allowing owners to haul and tow more while being efficient. A 2.5L I-4 is standard, and a 3.6L V-6 is available. They are based on award-winning engine families and tuned to deliver the low-rpm torque customers depend on for hauling and towing.

The 2.5L four is estimated at 193 horsepower (146 kW) and 184 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm), with approximately 90 percent of the peak torque available from 2,000 rpm to 6,200 rpm. The 3.6L engine is estimated at 302 horsepower (224 kW) and 270 lb-ft of torque (366 Nm). SAE certification of the power ratings is pending.

Both engines feature direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. An aluminum block, forged-steel crankshaft, dual-overhead camshafts and jet-spray piston cooling are featured on both engines. The 2.5L incorporates a two-stage variable-displacement oil pump, for greater efficiency, as well as a balance shaft located in the oil pan, for greater refinement.

All models are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that complements the truck-tuned engines with features that make hauling and trailering easier and more comfortable, including auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode. A six-speed manual transmission is also available with the 2.5L engine in base extended cab/2WD models.

Class-leading capabilities and superior ride quality

The Canyon delivers the capability expected of a GMC truck, including expected segment-leading payload and trailering. Like the full-size Sierra, Canyon is built on a fully boxed perimeter frame, which provides the strength to support its capabilities, and a ride expected to be smooth and quiet.

A coil-over-type front suspension features aluminum knuckles that are low in mass and high in strength contributing to a more responsive, immediate feel to driver inputs, as well as efficiency. The 2015 Canyon also features the segment’s first application of electric power steering, which enhances efficiency because it is not driven by the engine.

Additionally, the Canyon has a tight turning radius of only about 41 feet (12.6 meters), making it easier to manoeuver when parking or backing into tight spots, such as garages or campsites.

Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-piston front calipers, are standard and feature segment-exclusive Duralife™ brake rotors – also pioneered on the 2014 Sierra. They can offer up to double the service life, which can help lower ownership costs.

Canyon is available with an automatic locking rear differential known by its G80 option code. Introduced by General Motors more than 40 years ago, it gives drivers a traction advantage when needed and everyday comfort when it’s not. It is available on SLE and SLT, and standard with the All-Terrain package.

AutoTrac automatic four-wheel drive is also a segment-first feature, which employs an electronically controlled transfer case that allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD. The driver can select four modes, 2WD, Auto, 4WD HI, or 4WD Lo. By selecting ‘Auto’ mode, the transfer case will operate in 2WD and will automatically apply traction to the front wheels (4WD) when the vehicle senses wheel slippage.

Safety features

With 360 degrees of available active and passive safety technologies, Canyon is designed to help keep occupants safe on the road, with standard features including:

• Six air bags, including head curtain side air bags that can also reduce the risk of occupant ejection
• Large rearview mirrors and rear-vision camera system for greater visibility
• StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control, hill start assist and hill descent control (All Terrain).

Available safety features include:

• Segment-first forward collision alert
• Segment-first lane departure warning

The Canyon will be assembled at GM’s Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant. GMC will continue to work on and develop the Canyon until the start of production in fall 2014. The content of this release is based on current GM testing and is subject to change.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year.

USA - December 2013 Sales: Automakers Shatter Records

The end of the year usually brings strong sales figures, and while a good number of automakers saw negative sales numbers for the month, they still managed to break yearly sales records. Some automakers even managed to set new sales records, like Audi who had its best U.S. sales year to date.Looking at the month of December, Honda had its best December sales, while Volkswagen managed to have its second best December since 1972. Other automakers boasted strong months, including Mitsubishi that had its best December in seven years.

We can't look at the month of December and not take a peek at overall sales records. Ford claimed its best year of sales since 2006, Kia had its second best full year of sales in the U.S., and Mazda managed to have its best year of retail-only sales since 1994.Even the luxury automakers outdid themselves. Mercedes-Benz achieved its highest year of sales in the U.S. with 312,534 units sold in 2013. BMW managed to break its U.S. all-time sales record, while both the BMW and Mini brands set new sales records.Take a look at the chart below to see how each automaker finished out 2013.

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USA - 2.8 million sold in the US for General Motors Co.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) dealers delivered 2.8 million vehicles in the United States in 2013. Retail sales increased 11 percent and total sales were up 7 percent compared with 2012.

Dealers delivered 230,157 vehicles in December, down 6 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales were down 6 percent and fleet sales were down 9 percent.

“2013 was the year that GM and the auto industry put the last traces of the recession in the rearview mirror, so now we can devote our full attention to the things that matter most to customers: compelling design, world-class quality and delivering the best ownership experience in the business,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “GM has laid a strong foundation to pursue all of these goals. We have announced more than $10 billion in capital investments in the United States since 2009 and plowed billions more into R&D to refresh our product portfolio at twice the rate of the last few years.”

Major upcoming launches include all-new large SUVs for Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet, the award-winning Cadillac ELR and all-new heavy-duty and mid-size pickups for Chevrolet and GMC.

In addition, GM will begin the industry’s largest deployment of high-speed mobile broadband later this year. Additional details will be released at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week.

2013 Highlights (versus 2012)

• GM became the first American auto company in history to top the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, with eight individual model awards, including five for Chevrolet.
• Chevrolet redesigned iconic products, including the Silverado 1500, Corvette and Impala, all of which won numerous awards for product excellence.
• Cadillac finished the year as the industry’s fastest-growing full-line luxury brand.
• Buick had its best sales year since 2006 as the brand expanded into new segments with the Verano sedan and the Encore small crossover.
• The all-new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 helped the company increase its full-size pickup sales by 14 percent. 
• GMC sales were the strongest since 2007, and the Sierra now has the highest average transaction prices of any full-size pickup truck line in the industry, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.
• Overall, GM’s share of the $40,000 and up light-duty pickup segment, which is about one-third of the market, has increased 7 percentage points to 36 percent.
• Combined sales of GM’s mini, small and compact cars increased by 10 percent, bolstered by best-ever sales of the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze, and a remarkable year for the new Chevrolet Spark, which saw more than 34,000 deliveries. 
• Crossover deliveries were strong all year long, increasing by 14 percent. New products like the Buick Encore drove the growth along with stalwarts like the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, which had their best sales years ever.  The GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave also had their best years ever.

December Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)

• Sales in the fourth quarter increased 6 percent and December’s volume was the highest since August. 
• The Chevrolet Corvette had its best December sales since 2006.
• The redesigned Chevrolet Malibu and the all-new Impala were up 33 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
• Crossover and SUV sales were strong, with the Chevrolet Traverse and Tahoe, and the GMC Acadia and Yukon XL all posting higher sales. The Acadia was up 53 percent, for its best-ever December.
• Small business customers took delivery of 26,231 vehicles in December up 20 percent. For the year, small business deliveries were up 35 percent. 

“December started a little slow but sales were stronger later in the month, especially in the week between Christmas and New Year’s,” McNeil said.  “We didn’t make any big changes to our ‘go-to-market’ strategy during the month, which is to offer competitive incentives and market aggressively, and we are carrying good momentum heading into January.”

USA - Sales for November by brand and with best seller.

Another month has come and gone, and automakers have announced November sales figures. Just like last month, all but six automakers managed to have positive numbers. The majority of automakers show double digit percentage increases over the same month last year, showing the industry as a whole is continuing to grow.

This month’s sales leader was once again Jaguar, with an increase of 103 percent. Not as high as last month, but the automaker continues to outpace the rest of the industry. High sales of the new XF have boosted Jaguar to the top, and with new models coming out in the months ahead, we can expect the numbers to continue to climb.

Volkswagen continues to struggle with sales, and although the numbers weren’t as low as last month, it seems like the automaker needs to do something to get back in the positive. Volvo has also struggled this month, showing a decrease of over 30 percent when compared to November 2012. Hopefully with the holidays coming, sales will increase for the automakers.

Check out the numbers below to see what automakers managed to stay on top.

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USA - 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 & GMC Sierra 1500 now with light weight high strength steel capability

Like athletes who burn fat and build muscle to become more competitive, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 strategically replaced traditional steel with lightweight, high-strength steels for improved capability, safety and fuel efficiency.

High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels make the Silverado and Sierra’s fully boxed frames and cabs lighter and stronger, helping the trucks deliver the best fuel economy of any V-8 pickup, up to 23 mpg highway. They also have class-leading towing capability of up to 12,000 pounds when equipped with the available 6.2L V-8.

Similarly, making the most of mass also enables Silverados and Sierras equipped with the 4.3L V-6 to tow up to 7,600 pounds, the highest for any standard V-6 in the segment, with EPA highway fuel economy of up to 24 mpg.

“Our customers tell us they want better fuel economy, but only if it doesn’t come at the expense of capability,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer of the Silverado and Sierra. “By using lightweight materials like ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum for key structural parts and components in our new trucks we were able to improve both capability and efficiency.”

It’s been said that stronger muscles and bones help prevent injury, and the same can be said of the high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels that make up two-thirds of Silverado and Sierra’s cab structures, including A-pillars, B-pillars, rocker panels, roof rails and underbody. High-strength steel is several times stronger than mild steel.

These rigid materials helped Silverado and Sierra become the first pickup trucks to receive the highest possible 5-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year.

Similarly, the main rails and key cross members of Silverado and Sierra’s updated frames are high-strength steel with major elements hydro-formed for reduced mass and improved strength. Their pickup boxes are made from roll-formed steel for increased strength and reduced mass, compared with the stamped beds used by major competitors.

According to U.S. Steel Corp., the use of advanced high-strength steels is the fastest-growing trend in auto manufacturing today. Parts made from high-strength steel can be as much as 39 percent lighter than parts made from traditional steel.

Strong, lightweight aluminum alloys also play a key role in Silverado and Sierra by reducing the weight of the trucks’ engines, front suspension components, hoods and other parts. All three EcoTec3 engines use aluminum blocks and cylinder heads to reduce mass for improved fuel economy.

Direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing, a combination not found in competitor trucks, also contribute to Silverado and Sierra’s fitness.

USA - Sales by brand and best seller for October

October sales numbers are out, and the vast majority of automakers have shown positive numbers, with only six falling behind. This month brought a twist with it as Maserati posted sales, something the luxury automaker hasn’t done for quite some time. And for good reason. Sales for the company are up 186 percent, and sales have nearly tripled since the same month last year.

Jaguar Land Rover continues to break records and report extremely high sales numbers, and this month is no different. Separately, Jaguar and Land Rover managed sales increases of 117 percent and 37 percent, respectively, mainly due to strong XF and Range Rover sales.

Lincoln has seemingly turned around its poor sales numbers this month and boasts an almost 40 percent increase over the same month last year. But looking back at September, nearly every automaker was down for the count. We hope to see the automaker continue to climb its way back up.

We don’t want to give everything away, so take a look at the chart below to see which automakers came out on top.

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USA - General Motors posts increased sales in all brands.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) dealers delivered 226,402 vehicles in the United States in October, up 16 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales were also up 16 percent and fleet sales were up 14 percent.

“Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick-GMC all performed well in the month, and the sales tempo really picked up after the government shutdown ended,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “We are particularly pleased with our truck momentum. Chevrolet and GMC have the newest and best light duty trucks, sales are accelerating and we are gearing up for the second, third and fourth phases of our strategic truck plan.”

This month, the premium Chevrolet Silverado High Country and GMC Sierra Denali will hit showrooms, followed by a redesigned range of heavy-duty pickups in the first quarter of 2014. All-new Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac full-size SUVs also arrive in the first quarter, and later in the year, GM will introduce clean-sheet redesigns of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups.

October Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)

• Buick total sales increased 31 percent and retail sales were up 25 percent for the 18 th consecutive month of year-over-year growth. Regal sales increased 47 percent.
• Cadillac’s sales increased 10 percent and have grown in each of the last 13 months thanks to the all-new XTS and ATS. In addition, the SRX is on track for its best year ever. Retail sales were up 12 percent for the brand and more than 60 percent of buyers did not trade in a Cadillac.
• GMC was up 16 percent. The Terrain had its best October sales ever.
• Chevrolet was up 15 percent. Thirteen nameplates posted double-digit increases, including every SUV and crossover nameplate.
• Retail sales of Chevrolet passenger cars were up 32 percent. Cruze had its best-ever October retail sales. Impala retail deliveries nearly doubled and Malibu retail sales increased 58 percent.
• Deliveries of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra were up 10 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

Sales of the new 2014 light duty Silverado and Sierra increased 62 percent from September 2013. They accounted for about 76 percent of GM’s light duty deliveries, per plan.

Strong calendar-year-to-date sales have helped Chevrolet and GMC earn a 30 percent share of light-duty pickups priced $40,000 or above. That is up 5 percentage points versus 2012.